Lipscomb’s Copeland selected for Leadership Music Class of 2024

Keely Hagan | 615-966-6491 | 06/15/2023

Lipscomb University’s Juanita Copeland, president, chief operating officer and general manager of the Sound Emporium, has been selected as one of 44 industry leaders from around the country who will make up Leadership Music’s Class of 2024.

Leadership Music is an annual program designed to create a forum in which music industry leaders can learn about all facets of the music business, explore current issues affecting the industry and enjoy once-in-a-lifetime experiences while building lasting relationships with their classmates.

Copeland has been a part of the Nashville community since 1990 and has worked for Mercury Records, Almo Sounds Records, Pioneer Music Group, GMF Music, Prince Frog Music and Sound Emporium.

“Juanita has tremendous experience and a passion for her work that makes all the difference,” says Mike Fernandez, dean of the George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts and alumnus of the Leadership Music’s Class of 2018. “Being selected for the Leadership Music program is a significant accomplishment for which she is worthy. I am confident she will have a terrific experience and add to the dynamics of the class.”

Copeland says she looks forward to being a part of this prestigious program.

“I am thrilled to be a part of Leadership Music,” says Copeland. “After many years of folks wanting to nominate me and my schedule not allowing, I was finally able to accept the nomination and was very honored to be included in this year's class alongside so many music industry leaders. I look forward to getting to know my classmates and being a part of this great organization!"

Sound Emporium Recording Studio A — Sound Emporium Studio A

Sound Emporium, owned by Lipscomb University since 2017, is a historic recording studio located one mile north of campus that was built by “Cowboy Jack” Clement in 1964. In its 54 year history, its projects include Grammy Award-winning recordings, film soundtracks such as O’Brother Where Art Thou, Cold Mountain, and Walk the Line, and recordings of legendary artists Trisha Yearwood, Yo-Yo Ma, Delbert McClinton, Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, Johnny Cash, Kenny Chesney, Don Henley and many others. Today, in addition to being an important recording studio for Music City’s artists, Sound Emporium provides valuable experiences and resources for students in the School of Music.

Copeland is the fourth Lipscomb representative to be selected for this prestigious program. In addition to Fernandez, Steve Taylor, director of the School of Theatre and Cinematic Arts, and Brown Bannister, director of the School of Music, are also alumni of Lipscomb Music.

Members of the Class of 2024 are:

1. Angela Abbott, senior manager, business affairs and music licensing, TIDAL

2. Beth Barcus, co-director and porter, Porter's Call

3. Andrew Batey, founder and co-CEO, Beatdapp Software Inc. (Santa Monica, California)

4. Sarah Buxton, songwriter/artist

5. Jackie Campbell, founding partner, 615 Leverage + Strategy

6. April Carty-Sipp, executive vice president industry affairs, National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) (Washington, D.C.)

7. Sal Cirrincione, senior director of rock programming and specials, Premiere Networks/iHEARTRADIO (NYC)

8. Katie Cline Moore, president, Cline Co Business & Financial Management

9. Michelle Conceison, artist manager/associate professor of management/Middle Tennessee University

10. Juanita Copeland, president/COO/GM, Sound Emporium Studios

11. Paul Davis, senior vice president booking and development, MGM Resorts International (Las Vegas)

12. Kirsten Donaldson, vice president of legal, Digital Media Association (DiMA) (Washington, D.C.)

13. Holly G, founder, co-director, The Black Opry

14. Dan Gill, executive vice president recorded music, Los Angeles, BMG (Los Angeles)

15. Paul Goldman, CEO, founder, Muserk (NYC)

16. Kerry Gordy, CEO, Kerry Gordy & Associates, Inc. (Beverly Hills, CA)

17. Tiara Guy, associate director of industry relations and marketing operations, SoundExchange (Washington, D.C.)

18. Chrissy Hall, director of concerts, Ryman Auditorium, Opry Entertainment Group

19. Kelly Henderson, senior director, sales enablement, Ticketmaster

20. Matt Houser, head of production, Taillight & Porchlight

21. Tiffany Kerns, senior vice president industry relations and philanthropy, Country Music Association (CMA)

22. Rohan Kohli, vice president A&R, Warner Music Nashville

23. Rory Levine, vice president marketing and digital strategy and engagement, Academy of Country Music (ACM)

24. Keith Levy, agent/vice president, Wasserman Music

25. Jodi Marr, songwriter/producer/educator/author, Lazy Jo Music/Wizard of Ahhs Productions/Belmont University

26. Mandy McCormack, executive vice president marketing and partner strategy, Trisha Yearwood, Inc.

27. John Merchant, professor, Middle Tennessee State University

28. Nick Gusz Miller, senior director of international marketing, Interscope Records

29. Lauren Morales, COO, TomKats Hospitality

30. Wes Perry, senior director of business development, Live Nation

31. Kevin Ream, owner, Round Rock Amp (Austin, Texas)

32. Jessie Richard, senior vice president federal public policy, RIAA (Washington, D.C.)

33. Autumn Rowe, songwriter/producer/artist (Van Nuys, California)

34. Samantha Saturn, chief marketing officer, SESAC Music Group

35. Seth Seigle, agent/partner, William Morris Endeavor

36. Ashley Sidoti, vice president of promotion and digital, The Valory Music Co.

37. Jason Sloan, assistant general counsel, U.S. Copyright Office (Washington, D.C.)

38. Daniel Susla, commercial development, music publishing, Apple (Santa Monica, California)

39. Jenn Tressler, senior manager, artist and label Strategy, Opry Entertainment Group

40. Charles Wadelington, senior manager, public policy and government relations, Universal Music Group (Washington, D.C.)

41. Matt Watkins, president of marketing and international relations, The AristoMedia Group

42. Derek Wells, vice president A&R, Spirit Music Group

43. Joe Wetzel, partner, Latham & Watkins LLP (San Francisco, CA)

44. Iwona Wyrzykowska, vice president global film and television administration, UMPG

The George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts (CEA) is the fastest growing college in the university, with undergraduate degrees in cinematic arts, fashion and design, contemporary and classical music, theater and dance, and visual arts. Graduate programs include Master of Arts degrees in film and creative media, Master of Fine Arts degrees in film and creative media with writer and director tracks and a Master of Fine Arts/Master of Business Administration blended degree.

With training from Assistant Professor and Director of the School of Music Brown Bannister, Grammy award-winning producer, songwriter and musician, and others, the college provides a real world experience where students are inspired to create what’s next for the marketplace. CEA’s mission is to be a Christ-centered, innovative, entrepreneurial arts community committed to rigorous artistic training, creative collaboration and professional growth that seeks to train the next generation of believer artists who seek to uplift, challenge and entertain culture through their art. Learn more here.